Weekly updates might not be glamorous, but they’re essential for keeping projects on track and teams aligned. Whether you’re writing to your manager, your team, or a client, a clear, well-structured email helps everyone see progress and priorities at a glance.
A professional “What did you do last week?” email doesn’t need to be long or complicated. It just needs to be focused, consistent, and clear about what was done, what’s in progress, and what’s next.
Here’s how to write one that makes communication easier, not heavier.
Why weekly update emails matter
Weekly updates are one of the simplest ways to stay connected and accountable at work. When done right, they save meeting time and improve collaboration across teams and departments.
The “What did you do last week?” email has been getting renewed attention lately after Elon Musk’s weekly update request while at DOGE made headlines across federal agencies. The message asked employees to summarize their weekly work in detail, sparking mixed reactions. Some praised it for encouraging focus and productivity, while others found it rigid or unnecessary.
What’s clear is that the format works best when it’s done with clarity, respect, and purpose. A well-written weekly update can make a big difference, but there’s an art to getting it right, keepin g communication useful, not performative.
According to a Harvard Business Review study, organizations spend nearly 23 hours per week in meetings per employee. Regular written updates reduce the need for extra check-ins, giving everyone back valuable time.
Here’s why consistent updates matter:
- They keep managers and teams aligned without adding meetings
- They build transparency and accountability
- They create a written record of progress for reviews and reports
- They help identify bottlenecks and celebrate wins early
Think of them as a lightweight system for better visibility. Everyone knows what’s happening, what’s done, and what’s next.
How to write a professional “What did you do last week” email
Whether you’re writing a weekly progress email to your manager or sending a status update email to your boss, the structure stays largely the same: short, clear, and easy to skim.
Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how to write weekly update emails that save time and keep communication smooth.
Step 1: Start with a clear subject line
The subject line should make it obvious what the email is about. If your manager or client receives dozens of messages each day, clarity here matters.
Examples:
- Weekly Update: October 28–November 1
- This Week’s Progress Summary: Marketing Team
- Project Alpha Weekly Report
If you send updates regularly, use the same format each week. It helps recipients spot and file them easily.
Step 2: Open with context
Start with a short, friendly opener that gives the reader immediate context. One sentence is enough.
Examples:
- “Here’s a quick overview of what I worked on last week.”
- “As we wrap up the week, here’s a summary of our key deliverables.”
- “Here’s this week’s update for your review.”
A professional tone sets expectations and keeps communication smooth.
Step 3: Summarize key accomplishments
This is the core of your email. Use bullet points to make your achievements or completed tasks easy to scan. Each point should describe a tangible action or outcome.
Example:
- Completed the client presentation deck for Project Alpha
- Met with the Product Team to finalize the new feature roadmap
- Published the October performance report
- Trained new team members on internal tools
If you manage a team, ask everyone to use the same structure so updates are easy to review.
Step 4: Include ongoing work or blockers
Weekly progress emails are not just about finished tasks. They’re also an opportunity to flag ongoing work or issues that might need attention.
Example phrasing:
- “Currently working on [Task or Project]. Expected completion early next week.”
- “Waiting for [Name or Team] to approve the new proposal.”
- “Encountered a delay with [Issue]; exploring alternative solutions.”
This helps your manager or client anticipate challenges early instead of being surprised later.
Step 5: End with next steps or goals
Add what you’ll focus on next week or what feedback you need.
Wrap up your update by outlining what’s next. This gives your work continuity and shows initiative.
Example phrasing:
- “Next week, I’ll focus on completing the draft campaign brief.”
- “My goal for next week is to finalize all Q4 deliverables.”
- “I’ll review feedback from [Client/Department] and adjust the plan accordingly.”
You can also include requests for input or feedback to encourage two-way communication.
Professional “What did you do last week” email templates
These ready-to-use templates take the guesswork out of writing weekly updates. Each one saves time, keeps communication consistent, and helps you send clear, professional summaries without starting from scratch every week.
1. Weekly update to a manager
This weekly progress email to a manager keeps things simple: one section for accomplishments, one for what’s next. It’s ideal for individual contributors or project leads.
Subject: Weekly Progress Update – Oct 28–Nov 1
Hi [Manager’s Name],
Here’s a quick summary of what I worked on last week:
- Completed the client presentation deck for [Project].
- Coordinated with [Team] to finalize next week’s schedule.
- Drafted copy for the upcoming [Campaign].
Next week: I’ll focus on finalizing approvals and starting the rollout plan.
Best,
[Your Name]
2. Weekly update request from a manager
Managers can use this weekly report email template to request updates from their team. Keeping expectations clear (e.g., deadline and format) ensures consistency and saves time chasing details later.
Subject: Quick Check-In: What Did You Work On Last Week?
Hi Team,
Please share a short summary of what you worked on last week by [day/time].
Include:
- Key tasks completed
- Any blockers or issues
- Goals for next week
Thanks,
[Your Name]
3. Client-facing weekly update
A client-facing weekly update focuses on clarity and reassurance. It’s a good way to demonstrate progress and build trust without overwhelming clients with detail.
Subject: Weekly Project Update – [Project Name]
Hi [Client Name],
Here’s a quick overview of this week’s progress:
- [Milestone] completed on [Date]
- [Deliverable] shared for review
- [Next steps/timeline]
We’re on track for [target date]. Let me know if you’d like to adjust priorities.
Best,
[Your Name]
4. Work update email for teams
This version helps maintain morale while keeping everyone aligned on what’s been achieved and what’s next.
Subject: Team Weekly Summary – [Department/Project]
Hi Everyone,
Here’s a quick recap of what we accomplished last week:
- [Task 1]
- [Task 2]
- [Task 3]
This week’s focus:
- [Task 1]
- [Task 2]
Great job keeping things moving. Let’s keep the momentum going.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Tips for writing better weekly updates
Writing weekly updates is a skill that improves with practice. Here’s how to make your updates sharper and more effective every time.
- Keep it short: Aim for under 200 words or 5–7 bullet points.
- Use bullet points for clarity: They make information scannable.
- Be specific: Mention names, projects, and measurable outcomes.
- Stay consistent: Use the same format each week.
- Avoid vague statements: Skip filler like “Worked on various tasks.”
- Proofread before sending: Typos make even the best updates look rushed.
- Encrypt where necessary: If you’re sharing sensitive information or company data you don’t want leaked, you can encrypt your emails for extra security.
- Lead with impact: Start with one strong highlight before the bullet list.
- Format for readability: Use bold headings or short sections when needed.
- Send at the right time: Friday afternoons or Monday mornings work best.
- Include visuals when relevant: Charts, screenshots, or links to dashboards can make data digestible.
- Set up an email read receipt: These can help you know exactly who’s read your weekly updates (and who hasn’t).
According to Forbes, clear and concise communication improves team productivity and reduces misunderstandings, a small habit that pays off daily.
Common mistakes to avoid with your weekly update email
Even professionals slip into bad habits with routine updates. Here are common pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Copying and pasting last week’s email without changes
- Including too much unnecessary detail
- Forgetting to list next steps or deadlines
- Skipping updates when progress feels slow
- Sending updates late or inconsistently
If you’re sending weekly reports on behalf of your team, schedule reminders or use automation tools to keep updates consistent and on time.
Make weekly reporting easier for your whole team
A professional “What did you do last week?” email tracks progress, builds trust, improves visibility, and strengthens communication. Whether you’re reporting to a manager, leading a team, or managing clients, a thoughtful update is one of the easiest ways to make collaboration smoother and more effective.
Weekly updates are useful, but they can quickly become another task on your to-do list. Fyxer helps by organizing your inbox, summarizing key emails, and turning conversations into clear progress reports.
Instead of spending time collecting notes or rewriting updates, you get a ready-to-send summary that keeps your team aligned and saves you hours every week.
Weekly update email FAQs
How long should a weekly update email be?
A good weekly update email should be short enough to read in under a minute. Aim for around 3 to 6 bullet points or fewer than 200 words. Keep the focus on outcomes rather than every small task. The goal is to make it easy for your manager or team to see what’s been accomplished and what’s next without needing a meeting to explain it.
What should I include in a weekly progress email?
A strong weekly progress email includes your key accomplishments, current projects, blockers, and next week’s priorities. Start with what you completed, then outline ongoing work and any challenges that might affect timelines. End with what you plan to focus on next. This gives your reader a clear view of both your results and your direction for the coming week.
How do I politely ask my team for weekly updates?
Be clear, polite, and consistent. Explain why the updates matter and how they help the team stay aligned. Set a standard format and a firm deadline, such as “Please send your updates by Friday at 2pm.” Keeping expectations the same each week makes it easy for everyone to stay on track and reduces time spent chasing updates later.
Should I send updates if there’s little progress?
Yes, always send an update. Even if progress feels small, it provides valuable context for your manager or client and shows that you’re staying engaged. You can highlight what slowed progress and what steps you’re taking next. Consistent communication builds trust and ensures no one is left guessing where things stand.
Can I automate weekly emails?
Absolutely. Automation saves time and ensures consistency, especially for teams managing multiple projects. Tools like Fyxer can generate summaries from your inbox or weekly meetings, track recurring updates, and send reminders automatically. With the right setup, weekly reporting becomes a smooth, low-effort part of your workflow instead of another task on your list.